Concerns raised over building density in Da Lat

The problem was discussed at the seminar about developing Da Lat into a heritage city held on December 23. Pham Thi Hue Linh from the Vietnam Institute For Urban And Rural Planning said high building density in Da Lat had badly affected the city centre, drainage system and taken over green spaces. According to Linh, they must find measures to plant more trees and restore the drainage system.

According to To Kien, an expert from the Eight-Japan Engineering Consultants Inc, the look of Da Lat's central area has been drastically different from what it was decades ago. It is heading to become a jungle of concrete.

Le Tu from Lam Dong Province Architect Association also agreed and said that looking down at the city from a bus stop, he could hardly recognise any heritage buildings because of high building density. It is necessary to plant more trees and use them as a fence to separate valuable buildings.

Locals in Da Lat and tourists have complained many times about the "boring and dark buildings" that block the view to the former provincial governor's palace. Khuat Tan Hung from Hanoi Architect University said the investors should change the colours and plant vines on the sides of Da Lat Centre building and the new apartment building.

Architect Le Quang Ninh said, "Compared to 15 years ago, Da Lat has many new changes that are not suitable at all. The renovated Da Lat Market is an example."

He went on to say that too many greenhouses in Da Lat have also affected the sight with various shortcomings.

No solution and opinions from the authorities have yet been offered.

Tienphong/Dtinews